Executive Director, Managing Attorney

Why USAA?

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families.

Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful.

We are proud to support active-duty military spouses. USAA roles may offer remote or hybrid flexibility for active-duty military spouses consistent with applicable policy and business needs.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director, Managing Attorney, manages a team of Director(s), Trial Attorneys, and Legal Assistants within a specified state/region. Identifies and implements procedures within the firm to enhance productivity and assures ongoing compliance, mitigation, and management of legal risks. Accountable for implementing operational metrics, training programs, and technological solutions, to support compliance, legal risks, optimal resource utilization and appropriate staff development.

We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. Must reside within the state of California, preferably in one of these offices: Orange County Staff Counsel, San Diego Staff Counsel, Irvine, CA Staff Counsel, San Francisco Staff Counsel, Sacramento Staff Counsel Relocation assistance is available for this position.

What you'll do:

• Leads multiple teams of attorneys dedicated to providing Property and Casualty insurance defense services to USAA members and USAA.

• Accountable for identifying opportunities that improve operational effectiveness of the function. Leverages technology and resources to develop and implement processes for optimal productivity and quality of work.

• Analyzes case growth trends and market economic data on a regular basis to provide regular updates to Senior Leadership.

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data to identify trends and evaluate operational staffing and budgetary requirements.

• Collaborates with Litigation Group leadership, P&C Claims Litigation and other practice areas within the Chief Legal Office to provide effective and efficient insurance defense legal services.

• Develops and implements best practices, ensuring quality of the work performed by members of the firm and by supporting change efforts.

• Proactively identifies operational enhancements by designing, implementing and monitoring processes, controls and testing.

• Keeps USAA litigation and claims personnel informed of significant legal developments.

• Manages real estate lease renewals and provides feedback in the decision making when it comes to new and/or different physical real estate options.

• May serve as a mentor and trainer to team members, including other leaders, attorneys and legal assistants.

• May handle cases through trial and appeal as necessary.

• May oversee day to day operations of select office(s) within the state and manage leaders in other offices within the state.

• Builds and oversees a team of employees for assigned functional area through ongoing execution of recruiting, development, retention, coaching and support, performance management, and managerial activities.

• Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school required

What you have:

• 10 years of experience practicing law handling litigation with trial experience.

• 4 years of leadership experience within a law firm corporate legal setting or staff counsel organization.

• Licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction as required by this role.

• Outstanding leadership, collaboration and consensus building skills.

• Experience managing employees working remotely or at other offices using technology and leadership skills.

• Ability to travel up to 50%.

What sets you apart:

• Experience leading litigation teams of trial lawyers and legal assistants in a staff counsel or private law firm environment.

• Minimum of 5-10 first-chair jury trials to verdict defending automobile and homeowner defense cases.

• Strong knowledge of California insurance and liability laws.

• Demonstrated results in leading efforts to simplify processes and drive efficiencies. 

• Experience using trial presentation technology in a courtroom.

Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $195,230.00 - $351,410.00

USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.).

Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Long Term Incentive Plan: Cash payment for Executive level roles only, representing a cash payment which is both time and performance based.

Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.

For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on USAAjobs.com.

Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting.

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.